TG4 will be given a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at tonight's Oireachtas na Gaeilge Irish Language Media Awards to mark its 20th anniversary, which falls on Halloween later this year.

"TG4 is at the core of the Irish language community in Ireland," says Liam O Maolaodha, chief executive of Oireachtas na Gaeilge. He went on to describe the award as "an easy decision", while Pól Ó Gallchóir, ard-stiúrthóir (chief executive) of the station, described it as "particularly heartening" for both the TG4 team and the independent producers who support it.

About 76 per cent of TG4's share of public funding goes on Irish-language programming, with the broadcaster spending more than €20 million on annual commissions, including dramas such as An Klondike and Eipic.

President Michael D Higgins will be on hand to present the award to TG4 at the ceremony in the Salthill Hotel in Galway, while RTÉ News's Aengus Mac Grianna will host.